The new single “SEXIE” out December 8
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Taking it straight to the dancefloor from Newark, NJ by way of Ghana, “SEXIE” is a tribute to DJ Flex’s influences, seamlessly combining the tough sweatbox bounce of Jersey Club with irresistibly tuneful Afropop. One of the hottest producer/artists on the scene today, DJ Flex has collaborated with such luminaries as Megan Thee Stallion, Shenseea, Mya, Nija, and Nigerian superstar Minz. He has garnered huge editorial playlisting, performed a Boiler Room set and been featured on BBC Radio and OVO Sound Radio. Born in Newark to Ghanaian parents, with a past dappled by tragedy, DJ Flex’s unique background has fostered a globe-trotting sound that incorporates elements of Afropop, Jersey Club and Baile Funk. Now signed to Virgin Music Distribution, “ODO” is the first track off of an album project out 2024.
Growing up in working class Newark, DJ Flex was introduced to dance music and club life by his father, who, in addition to working two jobs as a cab driver and FedEx employee, also made some extra cash as a videographer for big weekend gatherings among the Ghanaian diasporic community. As a small boy, the wide-eyed DJ Flex was able to experience the rhythm of these parties firsthand. Fascinated by the DJ’s ability to take the crowd on a journey through the night, Flex started tinkering with rudimentary equipment on his own as a teenager, eventually getting paid gigs throughout the Northeast, and as far-flung as Atlanta and Germany, all the while going to college and working odd jobs to get by.
Life became more difficult when his father succumbed to a stroke and DJ Flex had to stay home and care for him, all the while completing his degree and hustling to earn as much as could with his (now viral) productions and DJ gigs. After his father died in the COVID epidemic in 2020, DJ Flex decided to fully embrace music as his career and destiny, inspired by the struggles and sacrifices that his father made to raise little Felix into DJ Flex.
About “SEXIE,” DJ Flex says, “The song blends the sounds of Jersey Club and Afropop that is equally balanced throughout the song to reach a worldwide audience. I really took the time to make sure the sound was unique and universal. The production and vocal structure was designed to get the clubs rocking. The kicks are super heavy and energetic. I took my experience from playing at clubs and understanding what the people want to hear. Which led me to the concept of writing a song about a crazy drunk night with a significant other or person for the night after the club. The lyrics were written in a flirtatious style that led to wild fun. I also had the Afro dance community in mind so the style of beat represents the culture. Overall the sound is different and unique, and the record builds excitement and can get the masses moving!”
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Boiler Room, a brand connecting club culture to the wider world, on screen AND in real life through parties, film, and video, is filled with up and coming names like Felo Le Tee, Tommy Holohan, NOIA, and, of course, DJ Flex. Head over to their official YouTube channel for a few hours… Or days.
After setting up an interview, I delved into his background and was enthusiastic to uncover more information. His story is just beginning and if he keeps dropping bangers like this, he will be headlining big rooms and festivals for years to come. This was so much fun for me and it is my pleasure to introduce you to DJ Flex.
Thanks for being here, man. Where are you based and where are you originally from?
I’m based in New Jersey. I am originally from New Jersey, born and raised. I was born in the city of Newark, and raised in the city of East Orange, New Jersey. However, my family’s cultural background stems from West Africa, Ghana.
Where did the name DJ Flex come from?
It’s actually a very funny story, because the name came from me arm wrestling in middle school. During lunchtime we would always find fun ways to compete against each other. I usually didn’t take part of the arm-wrestling matches until one day I was challenged by one of the strongest guys in the crew that kept winning. I had to face three of the crew members before facing the champion. Crazy enough I beat all three but lost to the champion because I used all my strength. The next day I came back and beat him, and everyone just gave me the nickname Flex because they wanted me to flex my muscles. (Laughs.) Shortly after that, I kind of gained an interest in music from looking at a mixer board that the school had. I would go to school with my two aux cords and both of my MP3 USB players and play music from both of them simultaneously like a DJ.
That is a great story! Your new single “SEXIE” is fire. Tell me more about that release.
“SEXIE” is full of energy, and it kind of gives a message of women empowerment. This song gives a high frequency feeling that allows you to move your body or vibe to the beat with ease. It was on my to do list of songs.
You did a Boiler Room set in LA. Tell me more about that set and do you get nervous behind the decks?
Yeah, that was very much dope. I wouldn’t say I was nervous behind the decks, but I would say I was very focused. At the time I was alone on the trip going out there. I would say that was nerve-racking but after becoming more familiar with the people I was working with that wasn’t an issue at all.
Your sound is great, man. It is unique. What are you listening to when not working on your next banger? Who inspires DJ Flex to keep pumping out new music?
I appreciate that comment but I’m listening to anything I feel matches the energy of the day. A lot of the songs I do listen to are Afro influenced. But I listen to all types of music—jazz, drill, EDM, and mashups overall.
Speaking of Boiler Room, did they come to you for that, or did you reach out to them?
They reached out to me. I was supposed to do two events for them at the time, but that one worked best with scheduling.
You’ve released a lot of singles. Are you planning to work on an EP or a full-length album in the New Year?
Yes, I am working on an album that will be released next year 2024. The album basically just expresses the growth of me as an artist, DJ and (producer). I feel like I’m in a stage of becoming a “super artist” as I always call myself.
Tell me about your 2023 Wrapped on Spotify. Am I seeing that right? 12.8M Streams?!
Yes, 12.8 million streams is definitely a blessing especially from the support I’ve been receiving over the years from dedicated fans and supporters. I’m extremely thankful for Spotify gathering this information and always letting me know that my work I put out into the world is not in vain. I also appreciate the listeners for acknowledging my attempt to please the musical tastebuds with fire music.
What is your songwriting process like? Do songs like “SEXIE” just come to you or are you sitting down to produce something until the sounds come out?
I’ve experienced different writing processes. I feel like every song has its own process. Sounds like “SEXIE” already resonate with me because of my style of remixing. So the hard part was just finding the words that match together to make it sound like a rhythmic flow.
There are a lot of famous nightclubs out there. Where are some of your favorite places to play? And what can fans expect from seeing DJ Flex perform?
Afterlife Ibiza or Privilege Ibiza. They could expect a lot of DJ Flex music, other Afro remixes, and adlibs from me and my pieces from the microphone.
What headphones are around your neck? I’m always curious what DJs are using.
My favorite headphones are the Monster NPulse NCredible 24K headphones. They always break from time to time, but I still love them.
How do you define “Jersey Club,” and do you call it “dance music” or is it deeper than that?
I think Jersey Club for me is deeper than just dance music or just a sound that it portrays to be now because I grew up listening to that almost every day. Walking to and from school. Everyone in my community listened to it, and I eventually became one of the people that was able to alter the sound and move it forward to what we know it as now.
You’ve been featured on BBC Radio and OVO Sound Radio. What does that sort of exposure mean to you as an artist?
It’s always great to see big platforms like BBC Radio and OVO Sound recognizing music I’ve been working on. I feel like BBC is one of the biggest platforms that has access to the world so that just shows me what I can conquer. OVO is related to Drake and he’s one of my favorite artists so I’m definitely grateful for a cosign that has anything to do with Drake and his camp.
Tell me about your relationship with Virgin Music Group. Does that mean we can expect more music in the New Year?
The relationship with Virgin Music Group is new but has brought me so much joy as an artist because I have worked so hard, creating and mastering my style of music. I know having them behind my back would help me reach the highest heights. I’m getting my music to the right listeners. It’s a huge advantage for me to continue to make timeless music.
We’ve talked about a lot today. What else, man? What are we missing? What else can you tell me about DJ Flex?
I mean, I could tell you that I’m always searching for new sounds and ways to become more innovative as an artist. I’ve been looking at anything AI that can help me push this agenda going forward. I feel like AI will be a big part of my futuristic sound.
What’s next for DJ Flex? Eager to see you perform in the New Year.
We have so much more to accomplish. I can’t really say what’s next, but I would say we can look forward to this album being complete and full of vibes that the world will enjoy.
Thanks for doing this, man. In all the interviews I do I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Yeah, I have an album coming out early 2024. This is my first time dropping a project and it will be released through Virgin Music/Universal. This project is super special and full of high frequency music. So far I released two songs that will be on the project called “ODO” and “SEXIE” so if you haven’t heard that yet make sure you go take a listen so you can feel the vibe of the album.
